Duncan Chapman, of Malton and Norton Golf Club, swung into action during his year as club captain by holding a number of social events, a Pro-Captain Challenge and by asking golfers to donate 50p each time they landed in the bunker at the 13th hole. He raised a total of £1,665.

Not to be outdone, Carol Turner, a cook at the golf club, chipped in with a cheque for £642 after a sponsored slim which saw her lose more than a stone.

Mr Chapman, who works at Ray Chapman Motors, Malton, said: "I selected the air ambulance because I thought it was such a worthwhile cause and obviosuly very expensive to run.

"I would like to thank every member that contributed throughout the course of the year – I couldn't have done it without them."

Meanwhile, John Dawkins, owner of Specialist Cars of Malton Ltd, handed over £500 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance following a raffle, which raised £320, and a top-up donation from himself.

The classic car dealer gave a number of Porsche-related prizes to the Yorkshire branch of Porsche Club Great Britain for the raffle, including a day-out at Croft Circuit, which was organised by member Rita Holmes.